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If you’ve been bitten by the miniature painting bug like me, then you know how vital the right tools for miniature painters are. Today, I want to share the three tools that have revolutionized my painting game, and I’m not exaggerating!

First, let’s talk about clippers, an often underestimated component of our miniature painting tools. I used to rely on the Army Painter Clippers, which were great for starters, but I needed an upgrade. Enter the Citadel Clippers from Games Workshop. Man, they are a game-changer! These are by far the best clippers I’ve used. They cut with an ease that’s almost poetic and have completely eliminated the problem of tearing plastic. As a Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar fanatic, this switch has made the assembly process for my Warhammer Leviathan Boxed Set so much smoother.

Next in line is our indispensable ally – the wet palette. Initially, my choice was the Sta-Wet Palette. It did the job and it was the cheapest thing out there (aside from making your own from scratch) but felt like it lacked something. So, I switched to the Redgrass Games Wet Palette, and I must say it’s the best wet palette out there! Its superior seal, coupled with high-grade paper and a better sponge, has not only improved my color mixing but also the longevity of my paints. If you’re looking for tricks to getting better at miniature painting, upgrading your palette is a surefire bet.

Finally, let’s talk about brushes. There’s a sea of options–and I have written about the best brushes before–but trust me, investing in the actual best brushes will elevate your game like nothing else. I shifted from a synthetic brush to the Winsor and Newton Kolinsky Sable Brush Series 7, and it was like unlocking a whole new level in my painting journey. This brush works like butter on the miniatures, holds a fine point for the smallest details, and has a big belly for broad strokes. Whether I’m painting a Warhammer 40k Space Marine or an Age of Sigmar hero, this brush has enhanced my precision and control.

In essence, the right tools can make a world of difference in your miniature painting adventure. From the best clippers for assembling your models, to the best wet palette for mixing your paints, to having the best brushes for adding those details, these are all integral to honing your craft. Remember, the journey of learning how to miniature paint isn’t just about practice, it’s also about knowing the right tools to use and when to use them.

So, get out there and explore these tools. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll realize how much they transform your miniature painting, regardless if it’s for Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, or any other fantastic universe you’re bringing to life.

#1. Importance of High-Quality Clippers

Ah, clippers. It’s a tool every miniature painter is familiar with, but which are often underestimated. Many are content with any old pair, but let me tell you, when it comes to tools for miniature painters, clippers aren’t something to be compromised on.

The truth is that I owned a good pair of clippers, but they got lost in an office reshuffle and my friendly local game store only carried Army Painter clippers, so I picked some up. Now, I don’t want to throw any shade on Army Painter, a company that I respect, but these clippers are BAD. Instead of cutting the plastic they almost seemed to tear it or rip it. There were very few cuts with these clippers that didn’t require a LOT of cleanup with the hobby knife.

I grew to hate those clippers. I yearned for something better, a tool that could match my growing expertise and the complexity of my projects. It was then that I purchased the Citadel Clippers–essential tools for miniature painters.

Switching from Army Painter to Citadel Clippers was a revelation. With Citadel Clippers, the quality was immediately noticeable. Their precision in cutting is unparalleled (with the exception of Tamiya clippers, which are highly respected and about the same price point), making the often tedious assembly of miniatures an absolute breeze. What’s more, they don’t tear the plastic–they cut cleanly.

The truth is you get what you pay for. Sure, there might be cheaper options out there, but Citadel Clippers are an investment worth making–yes, even at that price. When it comes to tools that you use regularly, quality trumps price every time. In my experience, the price difference has been more than compensated by the superior performance and durability of the Citadel Clippers.

So, fellow painters, if you’re serious about miniature painting and assembly, it’s time to think about the clippers you’re using. Remember, quality is key. I encourage you to explore and consider Citadel Clippers. The switch might seem small, but the impact it has on your assembly and overall miniature painting experience is monumental. (Buy from Amazon) (Buy from Element Games)

#2. The Benefits of a Superior Wet Palette

The wet palette, that indispensable cornerstone of miniature painting tools. You might wonder why you should invest in a better one when you can make a wet palette from scratch. Well, again, there’s truth to the saying “you get what you pay for,” and when it comes to leveling up at miniature painting, this couldn’t be more accurate.

I remember when I first began learning how to miniature paint, I used a Sta-Wet Palette. It was functional, fairly cheap, and for a while, it did the job. But, just like with the best clippers, you need to upgrade as you advance in your painting journey. As I dove deeper into the rich universe of Warhammer 40k, pushing my painting skills to the limit, the Sta-Wet Palette started showing its limitations. (And the paper that it came with? It is absolutely atrocious. From the very start I bought parchment paper and trimmed it down rather than use the Sta-Wet paper.)

My journey to find the best wet palette led me to the Redgrass Games Wet Palette. This, my friends, was a turning point in my miniature painting journey. The Redgrass Games Wet Palette outclasses others in several ways. It seals better, preserving my paints for extended periods, something essential when you’re working on detailed Warhammer 40k models that require many sessions to finish.

Next, it comes with superior paper. You might think, “what difference could better paper make?” Well, it’s about the smoothness, the way the paint spreads, the amount of water that seeps through the paper, and how it holds the pigment. Quality paper can be the difference between vibrant, consistent colors and a muddied mess.

Finally, the sponge of the Redgrass Games Wet Palette is simply superior. It retains moisture far better, providing a steady source of water that keeps my paints at the perfect consistency. Again, you get what you pay for.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to choose your tools wisely. When it comes to the best brushes, best clippers, and best wet palette, the Redgrass Games Wet Palette has been a game-changer for me, and I’m confident it will be for you too. (Buy from Amazon) (Buy from Element Games)

#3. Making the Switch to a Premium Brush

The paintbrush, essential tools of miniature painters, is perhaps one of the most personal and important tools for us. As we delve deeper into the art of miniature painting, we realize the significance of investing in high-quality brushes. I’ve tried countless brushes in my journey, but there was one that stood out and truly elevated my game: The Winsor and Newton Kolinsky Sable Brush Series 7.

This isn’t just another brush. Switching to this brush has been a milestone in my painting journey, like I’ve leveled up my painting skills tenfold.

One of the first things that struck me about the Winsor and Newton Series 7 brush was its smoothness. It works like butter on the miniature surface, allowing paint to glide seamlessly. This brush is so much better than every other brush I have tried. It has a big belly that can hold an ample amount of paint for those large, smooth strokes, saving time and effort during long painting sessions.

As I’ve said, I reviewed brushes on this website, and I said something else was better, and I apologize. This is a plainly better brush.

Moreover, the point of this brush is astoundingly precise, perfect for the intricate details that make our miniatures come alive. Whether it’s the eyes of an Space Marine or the insignia on a pauldron, the Winsor and Newton Series 7 brush has you covered.

What makes this brush a tool for miniature painters’ must-haves is its versatility. It’s a brush that can handle all types of strokes and techniques, thus becoming an integral part of getting better at miniature painting. After experiencing the difference the Winsor and Newton Series 7 brush brings to my painting, I’ve made up my mind – I’m going to buy a whole set of Winsor and Newton Series 7 brushes.

While investing in such premium brushes might seem extravagant, remember that the tools we use are extensions of ourselves. They are our mediums to translate the visions in our minds onto our beloved miniatures. A good quality brush is not just an investment in your painting; it’s an investment in yourself.

In summary, if you’re serious about leveling up your miniature painting, the Winsor and Newton Kolinsky Sable Brush Series 7 is worth every penny. It’s a brush that allows for greater control, consistency, and most importantly, it lets your creativity flow unhindered. Having this brush in my arsenal of essential tools for miniature painters has been a total game-changer. (Buy from Amazon) (Buy from Winsor and Newton)

Level Up Your Game with Essential Tools for Miniature Painters

And there you have it, my friends! The journey of a miniature painter is not just about honing techniques and developing styles, but also about choosing the right tools–essential tools for miniature painters. Every painter has their toolkit, but there are certain game-changers that have proven to be miniature painting must-haves, transforming the painting process from a simple task into an art form.

In my own journey, switching to Citadel Clippers, the Redgrass Games Wet Palette, and the Winsor and Newton Kolinsky Sable Brush Series 7 has had a profound impact. These essential tools for miniature painting have not only made my work easier, but they have also helped me reach new heights in terms of quality and precision.

But remember, every painter’s journey is unique. What works for one might not work for another. So, take the time to experiment with different tools, find what works best for you, and never stop learning. Who knows? Your next game-changing tool might just be around the corner!

So, arm yourself with these essential tools, fuel your passion, and embark on your miniature painting journey. After all, a great miniature painter is not born but made, and the tools you choose can make all the difference.